Norton Commons has a way of welcoming people into its well-established fold, not only with its vibrancy, golf carts, and bustling sidewalks, but because life is meant to be shared. For Dominique Thompson and her daughter, Hannah, that sense of belonging arrived when they needed it most. What began as a fresh start has grown into a chapter filled with connection, comfort, and a community that feels like family.

A little over a year ago, after a series of life events changed her trajectory, Dominique decided to start over—a new home, neighborhood, and business. She arrived ready to rebuild with intention and hope. “Starting over in my 40s has been both challenging and rewarding,” she reflects. “This community has wrapped its arms around us. It truly feels like home.” Life is now anchored in their Meeting Street home, fulfilling a long-held dream.

Dominique is the proud mother of Isaiah and Hannah. Isaiah (23) is a Trinity High School alumnus and current University of Louisville student with a love for music, art, health, and fitness. He lives in Germantown and works at Hauck’s Corner while taking summer courses at UofL. Isaiah is focused on his education, but when he is not studying or at work, he enjoys staying active and attending music festivals.

Hannah (18) is a newly minted graduate of Sacred Heart, known for her loyalty, drive, and love for animals. She was a cheerleader for St. X and enjoys participating in philanthropic events. In the brief time Hannah has lived here, she has integrated herself into the community. Her first job was at Woof Gang Bakery, which tapped into her love of dogs and introduced her to like-minded pet-lovers. Currently, she works at Aesthetics Boutique North Villa, her mom’s spa in the North Village. Hannah is headed to UK in the fall and is excited for rush and the college experience. 

The family’s two senior pups also made the move. Jules, a 13-year-old Bichon Frise, is fluffy and lovable, but as stubborn and judgmental as she is charming. She is a cancer survivor whose “Bichon smile” never faded, even during the worst. Coco (12) is not much younger. This tiny Yorkipoo is joyful, oozes personality, and is known for enthusiastic twirls and barking her way through the neighborhood. Together, Dominique, Hannah, Jules, and Coco make up what Dominique calls their “contemporary family,” living in The Pink House—a home not lacking in pink décor, and a space as expressive as those inside.

Dominique’s path to NoCo began long before she arrived. “The journey to this cherished neighborhood is deeply rooted in the longing for a home base and a community that is like family,” she shares. Born at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, she grew up a self-proclaimed Army brat, moving every three years through Texas, Fort Knox, Germany, and Washington State. Those moves shaped her resilience and ability to form friendships wherever she landed. She considers Washington her home state after spending her most formidable years there. Her extended family, including five siblings, remains in the Seattle area.

In 2002, Dominique returned to Kentucky to begin a chapter as a parent and be closer to her own mother, who has since passed away. Though she and her children are the only family here now, they have found meaningful connection in Norton Commons. “The people here are simply amazing,” she says. “We feel embraced in a way that’s hard to put into words.” 

They love it here so much that they rarely leave. Dominique is racking up memories, including time spent at Food Truck Fridays, the Farmers’ Market, Art Fair, Bourbon Festival, and the golf cart parade, but her favorites are simple: long walks with Hannah, stopping to pet neighborhood dogs, waving to familiar faces, and the joyous feeling that makes NoCo special. Small businesses are part of the pulse of the community, and they support as many as they can, as often as they can. You will frequently find Dominique and Hannah visiting Taylor Lee Comfort, Spark, Lulubelles, and That Cute Little Shop, or dining locally. Jules and Coco even get in on the action, dragging them to Woof Gang for treats.

That sense of belonging is also prominent in Dominique’s career. As the owner and esthetician behind Aesthetics Boutique North Villa, she brings together her love of beauty and a natural ability to make people feel cared for. What began as a home-based business has blossomed into a Palm Beach Regency-inspired spa filled with color, warmth, and good energy. “I wanted to create a spa that feels chic and fun, but also personal—the kind of place where you can relax, laugh, and leave glowing from the inside out.”

Her approach is shaped by years of raising children and working in hospitality, which taught her the value of attention to detail, genuine connection, and making everyone feel welcome the moment they step through the door. With an artist’s eye and a professional’s standard of service, she helps clients feel beautiful in their skin. As a long-time client of these services herself, Dominique understands how the right esthetic care goes beyond external beauty; it has the power to instill confidence.

Outside the spa, Dominique lives a full and colorful life. She trains at Never Satisfied Performance, explores new restaurants with the enthusiasm of a true foodie, and believes in celebrating life’s moments, big and small, with a glass of wine or champagne. She encourages everyone to embrace their uniqueness and savor every experience, a philosophy captured in her personal mantra, “Perfection is boring. Be colorful, be different, have fun and enjoy life!” and reflected in everything from her home and business to the way she moves through the world.

For Dominique, Norton Commons is more than a neighborhood; it’s a place where new beginnings feel bright, community is genuine, and life unfolds with purpose and connection. It is, in every sense, home.